Rovaniemi, Finland, beloved worldwide as the hometown of Santa Claus, is transforming from a fairy-tale village into a strategic military hub following Russia's invasion of Ukraine and Finland's accession to NATO (North Atlantic Treaty Organization).
According to the Guardian and other foreign media, tourists who recently visited Rovaniemi witnessed military aircraft roaring overhead during reindeer sleigh rides, and expressed dismay at the sight of an air-raid shelter set up near Santa's cave house. Tourists said, "Even in the hometown village of Santa, we cannot escape the reality that Europe is at war," showing a bitter reaction.
In fact, Lapland, where Rovaniemi is located, is a strategic stronghold that contains a quarter of the Finland-Russia border (about 1,340 km). In particular, in Rovajärvi, 60 km northeast of Rovaniemi, there is Western Europe's largest military training ground just 100 km from the Russian border, heightening military tension more than ever.
Recently, military activity has ramped up, including the NATO allied artillery exercise "Lightning Strike 24," observed by President Alexander Stubb of Finland.
On the last month, a live-fire exercise, "Northern Strike 225," mobilized 2,200 Finnish troops and about 500 pieces of equipment, and during the drill, the "Homar-K," the Polish export variant of Korea's Chunmoo multiple launch rocket system, made an appearance, drawing attention.
The area is expected to further expand its role as a new base for a forward land force composed mainly of troops from NATO allies bordering Russia. The Guardian reported that as Santa-themed attractions bustle with visitors ahead of Christmas this month, Finnish, Swedish, and British soldiers are conducting live exercises nearby, creating a stern fortress-like atmosphere.